Brickstone crosses zoning hurdle

Town Meeting voted overwhelmingly to rezone 87 acres of land on Rattlesnake Hill, creating a senior citizen living overlay district to make way for a 624-home luxury housing complex.

James Lindsay/Correspondent

Town Meeting voted overwhelmingly to rezone 87 acres of land on Rattlesnake Hill, creating a senior citizen living overlay district to make way for a 624-home luxury housing complex. Article 1 passed with a vote of 919 for and 313 against, easily gaining the two-thirds majority needed to amend the town’s zoning bylaws. The development, named Sharon Hills by developer Brickstone Properties, will consist of six eight-story buildings and be restricted to residents older than 62.Those supporting the rezoning article said Brickstone’s plan will benefit the town by donating 250 acres of Rattlesnake Hill to the Conservation Commission, increasing commercial tax revenue and paying one-time donations adding up to more than $10 million from the developer to the town. Brickstone’s plan will make use of the least amount of physical space for development, said Eli Hauser, chairman of both the Planning Board and the Economic Development Committee. “Acquiring this land is not an option anymore. This land will be developed,” said Hauser.Hauser said possible alternatives include building 88 homes on the total 337-acre parcel while leaving no land for the Conservation Commission. Developers could also push an existing Chapter 40B affordable housing development proposal through court, which would allow Brickstone to skirt the town’s zoning bylaws and build even more homes, also leaving no land to the town, he said.“We’re going to preserve the land at no cost to the town, and provide a tremendous amount of ongoing revenue,” said voter Keevin Geller of Canton Street. Sharon’s current tax base is 96 percent residential and only 4 percent commercial, Hauser said. With the Brickstone development and the recently approved Sharon Commons mall, the town could potentially expect to see its tax base ratio decreased to the state average of 88 percent residential and 12 percent commercial, he claimed. Not all supporters of the rezoning were so enthusiastic. “Even though the town is handing over no money, the town is paying a steep price, but 250 acres cannot be ignored,” said Margaret Arguimbau, chairman of the Conservation Commission. Not everyone was happy about the result of the meeting, however. “(The development) will endanger the structure and foundation of my home and my well, which is my only source of water,” said Judy Bookbinder of Mountain Street, referring to site blasting necessary for construction. “Just imagine if you and I could change places just for a moment, and imagine if you would want me to vote to do this to you and your family.”Many Stoughton residents, considering themselves abutters to the development off Bay Road, protested outside the entrance to the High School, where Town Meeting was held. “Legally, we’re two different entities, Sharon and Stoughton, but in reality, we’re neighbors. We’re right across the street from each other,” said Karl Walsh of Stoughton. “If it’s such a great development, why didn’t they come explain it to the town of Stoughton?” Stoughton’s voice, however, was limited inside the actual Town Meeting. Moderator Paul Bouton announced he had denied requests to allow residents of Stoughton and Easton to speak to Town Meeting. His announcement was met with enthusiastic applause. Non-residents were, however, allowed to view the proceedings on closed-circuit television in the school library.Assuming the permitting process goes as scheduled, the town should begin to see revenue from the development within two to three years, officials said.

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